Sunday, December 21, 2008

So it all started 3 years ago on January 2nd..... Mikie and I decided to try to have a child. We were both very excited and never thought it would take very long. We tried for a year on our own and finally decided to see my OBGYN about it. We met with him and he seemed to think we may just need a little help. So, he suggested we do IUI (intra-uterine insemination) (aka Artificial Insemination.) We decided to give it a shot. 3 months later and 3 IUI's later still no success so we ventured on to a fertility specialist. We met with her and she had all sorts of blood tests done and everything was perfect. After telling the doc about how my cycles were extremely painful she suggested doing a laparoscopy so check for endometriosis. I had the surgery in May of 07. BINGO! We found the problem. I have stage 3 endometriosis and my left ovary was wrapped behind my bowel. She was able to fix my ovary and laser all the endometriosis off. BUT- Endometriosis comes back so she wanted to be very aggressive with fertility treatments to get me pregnant.

No one ever wants something to be wrong with them...but we finally had an answer, a reason, an explanation as to why we hadn't gotten pregnant. Relieved and determined we were ready to start treatments.

1st Month- I took Clomid 100 mg (for 5 days) (ovulatory stimulant). Also, used Ovulation predictor kit to determine when I was ovulating. Within 36 hours of ovulation we went to the doctor for IUI. Ended Unsuccessful

2nd Month- I took Clomid 150 mg (for 5 days) , went in for one ultrasound to make sure my ovaries were not getting overstimulated, used a "trigger shot" to make me ovulate when the doctor was ready, and went in within 36 hours of ovulation for IUI- Ended Unsuccessful

3rd Month- I took Clomid 150 mg (for 5 days), went in for one ultrasound to make sure my ovaries were not getting overstimulated, used a "trigger shot" to make me ovulate when the doctor was ready, and went in within 36 hours of ovulation for IUI- Ended Unsuccessful4th Month- Mikie had to give me shots in the thigh everyday for about 7 days. The drug was Follistim and I took 100iu's. I had to be closely monitored so I went in every other day for a ultrasound and blood work to make sure my ovaries were not overstimulated. Used the trigger shot to make me ovulate and went in for IUI within 36 hours of ovulation. After IUI I had to take progesterone everyday until my cycle started. (If you have ever had to take progesterone.... you KNOW what its like :( Ended Unsuccessful

5th Month- Mikie had to give me shots in the thigh everyday for about 7 days. The drug was Follistim and I took 150iu's. I had to be closely monitored so I went in every other day for a ultrasound and blood work to make sure my ovaries were not overstimulated. Used the trigger shot to make me ovulate and went in for IUI within 36 hours of ovulation. After IUI I had to take progesterone everyday until cycle started. Ended Unsuccessful6th Month- This was a Weird month for sure... My left ovary did not produce any eggs. My right ovary had about 5 good ones. Mikie gave me shots of the follistim for 7 days and I took 150iu's. I had to be closely monitored so I went in every other day for a ultrasound and blood work to make sure my ovaries were not overstimulated. I had to do 3 extra shots this month... One to stop ovulation because my blood test showed I was ready to ovulate but my eggs were not matured enough. The other one was something... I honestly haven't a clue what it was for and the last one was when I was finally ready to ovulate which was the trigger shot. This cycle also ended unsuccessful.

(Just a side note- All of the medicine I took basically makes your ovaries produce many many eggs. So, I had anywhere from 3-7 matured eggs per month. This just increases your chances. Anyone heard of John & Kate plus 8? They have sextuplets and they did the same treatments Mikie and I did...... Your chances of twins on the injectables medicines is only about 30%. )

At this point we decided to take a break. A much needed break emotionally, mentally, physically, financially. Insurance does not cover any of the costs either. We have been on a break from the fertility treatments for a year now. We decided in October to seek a second opinion. Not because we didn't like our 1st doctor but because she had told us if 6 months of fertility treatments didn't work we would need to do InVitro next. We just needed to know for sure this was the case.... And it was. We have plans to meet with our original doctor in the beginning of 2009. We are extremely optimistic and we know we will get our bundle of joy eventually. This experience so far has torn us down and lifted us up. We know we can do anything together and go through anything together.

Mikie has been the absolute best husband any woman could ask for. Sure, we have our ups and downs like any married couple. But, he has stuck by my side..hormone rages from the medicine to the sobbing when the treatment didn't work. He is my soul mate and I love him more everyday.

I am sure I have left so much out but that is everything up to this point in a nutshell. I will be posting more things soon. I will be dedicating one blog to Endometriosis. Not many people understand this disease and if there is anything I can do through my experience is to help educate women and young girls about what it is and how serious it can be.

Thanks again to everyone for always being here when we need.

Especially to my Mom and Dad.... You guys have helped us so much and you will never know how much we appreciate you.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

As many of you reading this may know Mikie and I have tried to have a baby for 3 years now. We have done 6 months fertility medicines with IUI and unfortunately did not have success. We took a year off from treatments and decided to get a second opinion. The 2nd doctor told us what the 1st doctor had, that we would have to do InVitro. This blog is going to be our journey to and through InVitro. As always, Mikie and I appreciate all the prayers and encouragement we have received and continue to receive.

I will be posting what we have done up to this point for those of you who may not know all the details.

"No matter how steep the mountain - the Lord is going to climb it with you."